Howard D. Hanson, Jr.

Howard Hanson, Jr., age 80, of Mankato passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, surrounded by family. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Messiah Lutheran Church, North Mankato. Visitation will be at the church from 4:00-6:00 pm Friday and at 10:00 am Saturday. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with Military Honors at a later date. To leave a condolence or view the service livestream visit www.mankatomortuary.com. 

Howard was born June 8, 1944, in New Ulm, MN to Howard, Sr. and Cecilia (Wingerberg) Hanson and moved to Mankato when he was a boy. He attended Loyola H.S., graduating in 1962.Howard earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany for over two years. Howard served full-time in the Minnesota Army National Guard for over 20 years. He then worked for C & S Supply in Mankato before moving into his “retirement job” of driving for Mankato Motors. 

Howard was united in marriage to Marilyn Micheel in 1968 in Huron, South Dakota. He was a Charter member of Messiah Lutheran Church, a member of the American Legion, VFW, and several card clubs. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and old cars. Most importantly, he enjoyed time with his family, going to the grandkid’s activities, taking their annual trip to the cabin, and babysitting the grand dogs. 

Left to remember Howard are his wife, Marilyn; his son Mike (Victoria), their children Arthur and Gwen, and his daughter Pam True, her children Ava and Greta; sister-in-law Jill Hanson; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Henry Hanson.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.